Franco Pinet

ENGL 2100
November 28, 2018

Abstract

Nanotechnology is all around is and is used in many different ways. The ​purpose​​ of this report
is to narrow down the importance of nanotechnology and discuss how we use this technology in
our daily lives. This paper also highlights a brief history of nanotechnology and explores the
recent development in the field. The ​methodology​​ in this report was accomplished by using 3
credible websites for the research. ​Results​​ from the research shows how the technology is
used as well as explaining the history of this topic. The ​discussion​​ then expands on the results
by explaining how humans as a species have been able to make such leaps in technology
partially due to nanotechnology.

The Importance of Nanotechnology

Nano comes from the greek word dwarf, and this prefix, “nano” refers to 1 billionth in the
metric system (​10​-9​ ). To get a better idea of how small a nanometer actually is, a human hair is
80,000-100,00 nanometers wide and there are 25,400,000 nanometers in an inch. The purpose
of this paper is to inform the reader so they can get a general idea of what nanotechnology
actually is while structured in the IMRaD format. This research paper will also explore the
importance of nanotechnology and how we use it in our everyday lives.

I found all the constructive information about nanotechnology that I needed to do my

research through the internet. The first step was considering the question, what actually is
nanotechnology and why is it important? With this important question in mind, the next step was
to narrowing down my search for this information to the most recently published articles/news on
nanotechnology. Then, narrowing the research down one step further by filtering the most
credible and most popular websites. With that, I noticed that the same few websites were
showing up in the top searches so I took the time to analyze these sites thoroughly. Ultimately, I
was able to gather all of the information I needed using only these 3 websites. What these
websites had in common was that they were all up to date and active by trending the latest
news in the field of nanotechnology. One of these websites emphasized in virtually all branches
of mechanical engineering like nanotechnology, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, etc. With
these 3 websites, I was able to organize the data then add it to my report.

“Nanotechnology” is still a relatively new term that has only been around for less than
half a century. However, the idea of it was introduced in 1959 by physicist, Richard Feynman at
an American physical society meeting which was titled, ​There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom​.
In this advocate’s famous talk, he described a certain process that scientists would use to
manipulate atoms and molecules. It wasn’t until over 2 decades later in 1981, when modern
nanotechnology was established from the development of a microscope that could see
individual atoms. Richard Feynman is considered to be the grandfather of nanotechnology
thanks to his convincing proposal. Today, this relatively new branch of science is now very
important for many reasons. For example, in medicine, this technology allows certain drugs to
be delivered to the right place inside of the body. This claims that nanotechnology is important
for our health but we even benefit from it recreationally as the technology really is all around us.
From the electronics and products we use to the things we consume. Nanotechnology is even
used in the sports we play. Using tennis as an example, nanotechnology applications allows us
to increase the strength in tennis rackets as well as making them lighter. Working in such a
small scale allows us to see many imperfections in certain products/materials that is impossible
to catch with the naked eye. This makes tedious procedures such as reducing the rate at which
air leaks through a tennis ball possible. These procedures don’t just work for sports but in all
aspects of the field. Nanotechnology is glorified as having the potential to increase the efficiency
of energy, help clean the environment, and even help solve health problems.

From the research it is fair to say that nanotechnology is very important to our
development and we wouldn't be as far as we are today without it. Nanoscale particles are not
new in science nor in nature and to this day we still don’t fully understand certain characteristics
about them. It is captivating to think that most biological processes occur in the nanoscale, and
this fact helps scientists by being able to construct models to enhance their work in medicine,
computing, material synthesis, etc. Nanotechnology is not just about working in smaller
dimensions, but working in this nanoscale allows scientists to better understand the mechanical,
chemical, physical and optical properties of materials in that scale. Also considering all of the
nano-sized materials that exist in our computers and phones, you wouldn’t be reading this if it
wasn’t for nanotechnology. As our understanding of nanotechnology increases, the more we will
benefit from it as it will continue to improve and perhaps revolutionize many technology and
industry sectors.

In conclusion, it is important that this technology continues to grow since it can

potentially lead to new medicines, environmental benefits, better security and privacy and much
more. This is not just important for us, but to ensure a safer and better future for our children
and grandchildren to live in. However some gaps could be filled in this research to reinforce
these these claims. For example, since considering the “importance” of nanotechnology. Then,
perhaps digging a little deeper and disclosing research in the field of nanotechnology that
specializes in only potential health benefits from this technology would further justify the
importance. This subcategory alone could help us understand exactly how and what materials in
the technology are used/structured as well as gaining insight on exactly why it would be
beneficial to our health. While there are so many benefits to nanotechnology, one flaw that
should be considered in this is how this technology is still in its infancy stage. This is considered
a flaw, because we still do not know if certain “nanoparticles” may be toxic under certain
circumstances. Therefore, if we are not careful, there may be potential risks to humans and
even the environment that we have yet to discover.
 References

1. https://www.nanowerk.com

2. https://www.nano.gov

3. https://www.asme.org